Jessica Chastain in Zero Dark Thirty -- is it too early to say Chastain was robbed this year, before the robbery takes place? How can she possibly lose to Jennifer Lawrence's engaging but unremarkable performance in SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK? Yet everybody says this is about to happen. less

Jessica Chastain in Zero Dark Thirty -- is it too early to say Chastain was robbed this year, before the robbery takes place? How can she possibly lose to Jennifer Lawrence's engaging but unremarkable ... more

Photo: Michael Buckner, Getty Images

Jessica Chastain in Zero Dark Thirty -- is it too early to say... Photo-4199565.56872 - SFGate

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Harvey Keitel's amazing performance in the 1992 film, BAD LIEUTENANT, by Abel Ferrara, is precisely the kind of extreme performance the Academy ignores. But it's something that, once seen, is never forgotten.

Harvey Keitel's amazing performance in the 1992 film, BAD LIEUTENANT, by Abel Ferrara, is precisely the kind of extreme performance the Academy ignores. But it's something that, once seen, is never forgotten.

Ashley Judd should have been at least nominated for BUG. At least. Photo-4199574.56872 - SFGate

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The Academy gave the 1964 best picture Oscar to MY FAIR LADY, a lovely movie, but it was a little like giving an Oscar to the past. If they wanted to give it to the present, they could have given it to DR. STRANGELOVE. less

The Academy gave the 1964 best picture Oscar to MY FAIR LADY, a lovely movie, but it was a little like giving an Oscar to the past. If they wanted to give it to the present, they could have given it to DR. ... more

The Academy gave the 1964 best picture Oscar to MY FAIR LADY, a... Photo-4199575.56872 - SFGate

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.56872 - SFGate

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Better yet, the Academy in 1964 could have given best picture to the future -- to the future of culture, of filmmaking, of entertainment, comedy and perception. They should have given it it to A HARD DAY'S NIGHT. less

Better yet, the Academy in 1964 could have given best picture to the future -- to the future of culture, of filmmaking, of entertainment, comedy and perception. They should have given it it to A HARD DAY'S ... more

Better yet, the Academy in 1964 could have given best picture to... Photo-4199576.56872 - SFGate

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For her command of tone, Adrienne Shelly should have received a posthumous best director nomination for WAITRESS.

For her command of tone, Adrienne Shelly should have received a posthumous best director nomination for WAITRESS.

For her command of tone, Adrienne Shelly should have received a... Photo-4199577.56872 - SFGate

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THE MOTHER AND THE WHORE -- one of the great films of the 1970s, it deserved a best foreign film nod.

THE MOTHER AND THE WHORE -- one of the great films of the 1970s, it deserved a best foreign film nod.

THE MOTHER AND THE WHORE -- one of the great films of the 1970s, it... Photo-4199578.56872 - SFGate

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Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine. Should have won best actress.

Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine. Should have won best actress.

Photo: Davi Russo, The Weinstein Co.

Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine. Should have won best actress. Photo-4199579.56872 - SFGate

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.56872 - SFGate

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Marisa Tomei and Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler. He should have won.

Marisa Tomei and Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler. He should have won.

Photo: Niko Tavernise

Marisa Tomei and Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler. He should have won. Photo-4199580.56872 - SFGate

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Annette Bening in BEING JULIA to Hilary Swank in MILLION DOLLAR BABY for one reason -- few people saw BEING JULIA.

Annette Bening in BEING JULIA to Hilary Swank in MILLION DOLLAR BABY for one reason -- few people saw BEING JULIA.

Photo: Alex Dukay

Annette Bening in BEING JULIA to Hilary Swank in MILLION DOLLAR... Photo-4199581.56872 - SFGate